If you’ve stumbled upon this blog post, chances are you’ve heard the term “pelvic floor physical therapy” but aren’t quite sure what it entails. You also may not know that pelvic floor physical therapy has been around for SEVERAL decades. Pelvic floor therapy is finally receiving the attention it deserves, so it’s important for people to understand WHAT it is and what it can do for them.
The basics
Let’s start with the basics. Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a sling-like structure at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting your pelvic organs, maintaining continence, and even contributing to sexual function. So, when things aren’t functioning as they should in this area, it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and conditions.
What can pelvic floor therapy do?
Pelvic floor physical therapy, simply put, is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on assessing and treating dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. That means that pelvic floor therapy can help with things like urinary or fecal incontinence, urinary frequency and urgency, constipation, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, tailbone pain, and pelvic organ prolapse, just to name a few.
What to expect at your first visit
Now, you might be wondering what a pelvic floor physical therapy session looks like. Well, it’s not as intimidating as it may sound! During your initial evaluation, your pelvic floor physical therapist will take a detailed history to understand your symptoms and concerns. This may involve questions about your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any specific issues you’re experiencing.
Internal examination
Next comes the physical examination. Your therapist will assess the strength, flexibility, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. This should involve internal and external techniques to fully evaluate the muscles and their function. Don’t worry, though – your comfort and consent are always the top priority, and therapists are trained to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Once the evaluation is complete, your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. This plan may include a variety of techniques, such as manual therapy, pelvic floor exercises (when appropriate), and patient education so that you can play an active role in your recovery.
The goal
The ultimate goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. It’s about more than just treating the symptoms – it’s about addressing the underlying issues and restoring function and confidence in your body.
You’re not alone
If you’re struggling with pelvic floor issues, know that you’re not alone, and there is help available. Sometimes my patients feel better just knowing that what they are experiencing is REAL and treatable. Pelvic floor physical therapy could be the key to unlocking a happier, healthier you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist to learn more and take the first step toward better pelvic health.
Remember, your pelvic floor deserves just as much attention and care as any other part of your body. Here’s to pelvic health and empowerment!
